Disc columns for centrifugal countercurrent exchange devices



y 1964 w. G. PODBIELNIAK 3,132,100

DISC COLUMNS FOR CENTRIFUGAL COUNTEIRCURRENT EXCHANGE DEVICES Filed Nov. 27, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. WLFIDZIA QJPonsus LN \AK a Fis y 1964 w. G. PODBIELNIAK 3,132,100

DISC COLUMNS FOR CENTRIFUGAL COUNTERCURRENT EXCHANGE DEVICES Filed Nov. 27, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEN TOR. WLADZIA Ci. pODBlELNlAK BY m/ W/fa EL 3,132,100 DISC COLUMNS FOR CENTRIFUGAL COUNTER- CURRENT EXCHANGE DEVICES Wladzia G. Podbielniak, 632v N. Dearhom St, Chicago, Ill. Filed Nov. 27, 1961, Ser. No. 155,111- 3 Claims. (Cl. 233-15) This invention relates generally to improvements in centrifugal countercurrent exchange devices whereby the droplet dispersal and mixing energy characteristics within such devices may be readily varied and adjusted. More particularly, the invention relates to improvements in interchangeable disc columns of the type disclosed my copending application entitled Centrifugal C'ou-ntercurrent Exchange Device With Interchangeable Disc Columns, Serial No. 149,425, filed November 1 1961 and now US. Patent 3,114,706, and this application comprises a continuation-in-par-t of said co-pending application.

As described in my aforementioned co-pending application, one of the most essential requirements for the successful function of centrifugal exchange devicesof the type under consideration, is that the fluids be dispersed into droplets as they pass through the device. Droplet dispersion is essential in order that the countercurrent fluids may come into intimate mixing contact with each other. In addition, control of the character and extent of the droplet dispersion affords a means for varying the mixing energy within the device. Thus, by means of varying the droplet dispersal and mixing energy, a single device may be rendered universally adaptable for use in virtually any type of process requiring such a device.

Accordingly, my ce-pending application disclosed a centrifugal countercurrent exchange device having a rotor in which the spaced concentric separator bands were imperforate save for a plurality of series of aligned holes arranged to alford cavities extending radially from the innermost to the outermost of the separator bands. Novel disc columns were removably positionable in said cavities to accurately close said holes. Each of the disc columns comprised a plurality of discs held together in vertically spaced relationship by removable supporting and spacing means. The discs could be made with any desired type, size or arrangement of perforations, or even imperforate. Since the individual discs,as well as the entire disc col} nmns, were interchangeable, a means was-provided for readily varying and accurately controlling the droplet dispersion and mixing energy of the device.

In order to achieve the maximum degree of adjustability and versatility, it was of course necessary for the user of a device to stock a great number of complete disc columns and/or a great number of individual discs of varying configurations and perforation patterns. Quite obviously, it would be most desirable if maximum adjustability and versatility couldbe achieved without the necessity for maintaining such a large stock of parts. It is therefore an important object of this invention to provide an improved disc column for centrifugal countercurrent exchange devices which disc column is completely adjustable for any desired droplet dispersal characteristics and yet requires no additional replacement discs or other parts.

Another important object of the invention is to afford an improved disc column of the character described in which a single set 'of operationally assembled discs may be adjusted to provide a great variety of sizes, numbers and/ or patterns of perforations in the discs. 7

A :fiurther object is to provide an improved disc column of the character described in which the discs may be readily indexed to afford the perforation characteristics desired. In accordance with the invention, the disc column comprises a plurality of disc assemblies, each of I United States Patent ICC which consists of two individual perforated discs, viz.apair of discs lying in superposed face-to-face relationship. indexing means are provided whereby the discs of each pair may be rotated and indexed. with relation to each other or to other pairs of discs togive the desired perforation characteristics.

Still another object is to afford an improved disc column of the character described in which the individual discs may be made hot and still efiiciently close the separator band holes defining the cavity in which the column is positioned.

Yet afurther object istoprovide an improved disc column ofthe character described which may be inexpensively fabricated and yet is most efiicient for the purposes intended.

With the foregoing and other objects inview which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel features of construction, arrangement and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illus-' trat'ed in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointedout in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportion, size and minor details of the structure may be made without departing from thespirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of my invention, I have illustrated in the accompanying drawings preferred embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the follow ing description, my invention, its mode of construction, assembly and operation, and many of its advantages should be readilyunderstood and appreciated.

Referring to the drawings in which the same characters of reference are employed to indicate corresponding or similar parts throughout the several figures of the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of a centrifugal countercurrent exchange device with interchangeable disc columns embodying the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of an inn proved disc column embodying the principles of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on the plane of line 33 in FIG. 2 and showing a pair of cooperating discs with their perforations in aligned relationship;

FIG. 4 is a similar view showing the relative position of the perforations after rotation and indexing; and

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a pair of cooperating discs and showing another possible form thereof. a Y

Turning now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the reference numeral 10 indicates generally a centrifugal countercurrent exchange device embodying the principles of the invention. Since the basic device 10 is generally of the heretofore well known type and construction as disclosed in US. Patent No. 2,670,132 and the co-pending application of Collin M. Doyle entitled Rotating Column Contact Device, Serial No. 27,651, filed May 9, 1960 and now U.S. Patent 3,107,218, and since it does not in and of itself comprise a part of the subject invention; only so much thereof as is necessary for an understanding of the subject invention will be described. The device 10 thus comprises a shaft 12 suitably journalled for rotation in a supporting structure 14. A drum or rotor 16 is rigidly connected to the shaft 12 for rotation therewith, and the entire device may be enclosed by a removable protective cover such as 17.

Suitable pasageways such as 18 and 20 are provided in the shaft 12 for respectively supplying the heavier liquid to the central area of the rotor 16 and removing the lighter liquid therefrom. Similarly, suitable passageways such as 22 and 24 are provided for respectively supplying the lighter liquid under pressure to the peripheral area of the rotor 16 and removing the heavier liquid therefrom. Communicating with the passageway 24 for removing the heavier liquid may be passageways 26 provided between the spill-over discs 28 and end plates 30 of the rotor 16.

A plurality of concentric cylindrical separator bands 32 is mounted in the spill-over discs 28 as indicated. As described in the said first-mentioned co-pending application, the separator bands 32 are completely imperforate over their entire areas save for a plurality of holes arranged and aligned to afford series of disc column cavities such as 34, 36, 38 and 49. As similarly described, the spacing between the separator bands 32 preferably should increase with increasing radius, or at least be uniform, although the spacing may also be made to decrease with increasing radius if desired. Removably positioned within each of the cavities 34, 36, 38 and 40, is a novel disc column of the general type described in my co-pending application and indicated generally by the numeral 42. The disc column 42 comprises a tie rod 44 having a threaded extension 43 at the inner end thereof, said threaded extension being adapted to be received in threaded openings suitably drilled and positioned in the drive shaft 12 of the device 16. It is important to note that the tie rod 44 is preferably polygonal in cross-section, and in the embodiment illustrated the same is octagonal (see FIGS. 3 and 4), although other polygonal configurations may likewise be employed. The reasons for the polygonal construction of the tie rod 44 will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Removably mounted on the tie rod 44 is a plurality of disc assemblies indicated generally by the numeral 45. Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, it will be noted that each of the disc assemblies 45 comprises a top disc 46 and a cooperating bottom disc 48 lying in face-to-face superposed relationship. All of the discs 46 and 48 are provided with a central opening 54) having the identical polygonal configuration as the tie rod 44, and through which said tie rod is threaded for operationally retaining said discs. The discs 46 and 48 are likewise formed with a plurality of perforations such as 49. Vertical spacers such as 52, which may be similarly polygonal or circular in cross-section, may be removably mounted on the tie rod 44, one between each pair of disc assemblies 45. Lock nuts such as 54 and 56 may be threaded on the tie rod 44 for completing the disc column assembly.

Turning now specifically to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings, it will be appreciated that the octagonal tie rod 44 cooperates with the similarly shaped disc central openings 50 to afford indexing means whereby the discs 46 and 48 of each disc assembly 45 may be readily indexed with relation to each other. Thus, for example, FIG. 3 illustrates a disc assembly 45 in which the discs 46 and 48 are positioned with their perforations 49 in fully aligned relationship to afford the maximum area of perforations through said disc assembly. However, FIG. 4 shows the disc assembly 45 after its discs 46 and 48 have been partially rotated with relation to each other. It will of course be noted that the described rotation and indexing of the discs 46 and 48 results in a partial obstruction of their perforations 49 so that the total perforation area of the disc assembly 45 is thereby reduced. In a similar manner, the discs 46 and 48 of each disc assembly 45 may be indexed to provide any perforation area or pattern of perforations desired. In this regard, the discs 46 and 48 may be formed with identical perforations 49 as illustrated, or with perforations of differing size, configuration and arrangement. It may thus be appreciated that the possible perforation patterns and areas obtainable for a disc assembly 45 are Virtually limitless. Similarly, the perforations 4? may be arranged so that the discs 46 and 48 may be indexed to a position wherein the disc assembly 45 is entirely imperforate.

For purposes of operationally retaining the disc columns 42 and permitting the insertion into or removal from the rotor 16 of said columns, the cylindrical outer wall of the rotor is provided with a plurality of circular portholes 58, one in alignment with each of the cavities 34,

36, 38 and 40. A plug 60, which may be screw threaded as indicated, is removably positioned within each of the portholes 58, and the same bears against the top of the tie rod 44 to operationally retain the associated disc column 42 within the rotor. Of course, the threaded extension 43 at the inner end of the tie rod 44 likewise aids in this function.

Another variation of the disc assemblies 45 is illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings wherein likeparts are designated by similar reference numerals with the suflix a added thereto. In this instance, the disc assembly 45a comprises a pair of cooperating discs 46a and 48a having perforations 49a and central openings 50a. It will be noted, however, that the top surface of the disc 46a and the bottom surface of the disc 48a are provided with projections or tynes such as 62. As described in my aforesaid co-pending application, the tynes 62 serve to aid in further tearing up or dispersing the liquids as the same pass thereover.

' From the foregoing description and drawings, it should be apparent without further description that I have provided a novel improved disc column wherein each disc assembly comprises a pair of cooperating superposed discs. Indexing means are provided whereby the pair of discs readily may be indexed to afford any desired pattern or total area of perforations to in turn afford an accurate control over the mixing energy in the rotor. It should likewise be appreciated that the novel disc assemblies permit the discs to be made fiat. The double thickness of each disc assembly thus compensates for any variations in the curvature of the individual separator bands so that the disc assemblies nonetheless accurately fill the holes in said bands.

It is believed that my invention, its mode of construction and assembly, and many of its advantages should be readily understood from the foregoing without further description, and it should be manifest that while preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described for illustrative purposes, the structural details are nevertheless capable of wide variation within the purview of my invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A centrifugal countercurrent exchange device comprising a cylindrical rotor having an axial shaft, a plurality of spaced concentric cylindrical bands positioned in said rotor, said cylindrical bands being imperforate save for circular holes formed therein and arranged to afford a plurality of radially extending cavities, a plurality of portholes formed in the outer cylindrical wall of said rotor, one in alignment with each of said cavities, a plug removably positioned in each of said portholes, and a disc column removably positioned in each of said cavities, said disc column comprising an elongated tie rod of octagonal cross section, a plurality of disc assemblies removably mounted on said tie rod and a tubular vertical spacer removably mounted on said tie rod between each of said disc assemblies whereby each of said holes in said bands is accurately filled thereby, each of said disc assemblies including a pair of substantially iden tical perforated contiguously'superposed circular discs, said discs being formed with octagonal central openings accommodating said tie rod therethrough, said tie rod and central openings cooperating to afford indexing means for releasably locking said discs in relation to each other in any of a plurality of fixed positions to afford any desired condition of droplet dispersion in said rotor.

2. A centrifugal countercurrent exchange device comprising a cylindrical rotor having an axial shaft, a plurality of spaced concentric cylindrical bands positioned in said rotor, said cylindrical bands being imperforate save for circular holes formed therein and arranged to afford a plurality of radially extending cavities, a plurality of portholes formed in the outer cylindrical wall of said rotor, one in alignment with each of said cavities, a plug removably positioned in each of said portholes, and a disc column removably positioned in each of said cavities, said disc column comprising an elongated tie rod of polygonal cross section, a plurality of disc assemblies removably mounted on said tie rod, and a tubular vertical spacer removably mounted on said tie rod between each of said disc assemblies whereby each of said holes in said bands is accurately filled thereby, each of said disc assemblies including a pair of perforated contiguously superposed circular discs, said discs being formed with polygonal central openings of complementary configuration with said tie rod and accommodating said tie rod therethrough, said tie rod and central openings cooperating to alford indexing means for releasably locking said discs in relation to each other in any of a plurality of fixed positions to afiord any desired condition of droplet dispersion in said rotor.

3. A centrifugal countercurrent exchange device comprising a cylindrical rotor having an axial shaft, a plurality of spaced concentric cylindrical bands positioned in said rotor, said cylindrical bands having circular holes formed therein and arranged to aiford a plurality of radially extending cavities, means in the outer cylindrical Wall of said rotor for giving access to said cavities, and a disc column removably positioned in each of said cavities, said disc column comprising an elongated tie rod of polygonal cross section, a plurality of disc assemblies removably mounted on said tie rod, and a tubular vertical spacer removably mounted on said tie rod between each of said disc assemblies whereby each of said holes in said bands is accurately filled thereby, each of said disc assemblies including a pair of perforated contiguously superposed circular discs, said discs being formed with polygonal central openings of complementary configuration with said tie rod and accommodating said tie rod therethrough, said tie rod and central openings cooperating to afiord indexing means for releasably locking said discs in relation to each other in any of a plurality of fixed positions to afford any desired condition of droplet dispersion in said rotor.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,176,747 Ferguson Mar. 28, 1916 2,710,790 Rupp et al. June 14, 1955 2,758,784 Podbielniak et al. Aug. 14, 1956 I 2,811,423 Bradley Oct. 29, 1957 2,880,929 Podbielniak Apr. 7, 1959 3,013,780 Wistrich Dec. 19, 1961 FOREIGN PATENTS 547,722 Germany Apr. 1, 1932 872,499 Great Britain July 12, 1961 930,561 Germany July 18, 1955 1,227,578 France Aug. 22, 1960 

3. A CENTRIFUGAL COUNTERCURRENT EXCHANGE DEVICE COMPRISING A CYLINDRICAL ROTOR HAVING AN AXIAL SHAFT, A PLURALITY OF SPACED CONCENTRIC CYLINDRICAL BANDS POSITIONED IN SAID ROTOR, SAID CYLINDRICAL BANDS HAVING CIRCULAR HOLES FORMED THEREIN AND ARRANGED TO AFFORD A PLURALITY OF RADIALLY EXTENDING CAVITIES, MEANS IN THE OUTER CYLINDRICAL WALL OF SAID ROTOR FOR GIVING ACCESS TO SAID CAVITIES, AND A DISC COLUMN REMOVABLY POSITIONED IN EACH OF SAID CAVITIES, SAID DISC COLUMN COMPRISING AN ELONGATED TIE ROD OF POLYGONAL CROSS SECTION, A PLURALITY OF DISC ASSEMBLIES REMOVABLY MOUNTED ON SAID TIE ROD, AND A TUBULAR VERTICAL SPACER REMOVABLY MOUNTED ON SAID TIE ROD BETWEEN EACH OF SAID DISC ASSEMBLIES WHEREBY EACH OF SAID HOLES IN SAID BANDS IS ACCURATELY FILLED THEREBY, EACH OF SAID DISC ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING A PAIR OF PERFORATED CONTIGUOUSLY SUPERPOSED CIRCULAR DISCS, SAID DISCS BEING FORMED WITH POLYGONAL CENTRAL OPENINGS OF COMPLEMENTARY CONFIGURATION WITH SAID TIE ROD AND ACCOMMODATING SAID TIE ROD THERETHROUGH, SAID TIE ROD AND CENTRAL OPENINGS COOPERATING TO AFFORD INDEXING MEANS FOR RELEASABLY LOCKING SAID DISCS IN RELATION TO EACH OTHER IN ANY OF A PLURALITY OF FIXED POSITIONS TO AFFORD ANY DESIRED CONDITIONS OF DROPLET DISPERSION IN SAID ROTOR. 